Page 55 of Rear View
My lungs froze while I waited for the guy to finish that sentence. And waited. And fuckin’ waited. If reaching through the screen was a thing—
Miles: She says she’ll consider forgiving you.
Fuck me. Please say that’s a joke.
Miles: That’s a joke, btw.
I dragged a hand over my face, then leaned a hip against the car’s hood and kicked a leg straight out in front of me.You’re killin’ me, darlin’. Killin’ me!
Me: I won’t have time to replace my phone until the morning. Can you tell her we’re still on for Friday?
Miles: Done!
Miles: She’s excited.
My chest inflated.
Me: She say that?
Miles: No. But she said this…
Two seconds later, a screenshot came through.
Sis: Good. The man owes me an apology dinner, stressing me like that!
Worried about me, darlin’?I wanted to feel bad, I really damn well did, but the grin that split my face said different.
Me: Let her know it’s a date.
Another screenshot.
Sis: Miles!!! You did NOT tell him I said that?!
Miles: This is too much fucking fun, man.
Miles: She officially hates me. Hashtagworthit!!!
I barked a laugh that had every head in the Parc Ferme craning my way. It made me miss Fallon. What were brothers for if not to mess with you?
Me: I’ll call her tomorrow night from my new number. She can tell me where I’m taking her then.
Miles: She says she’ll think about answering your call.
My grin split so wide, it hurt my goddamn face when his last message came through.
Miles: She’ll totally answer your call.
Chapter Fourteen
Ryah
“You looksogood!” Zoya said, waggling her brows as she pulled us to the curb of the Edgewater Winter Market outside City Hall.
Seeing as I wasn’t ready to dole out my address, it had been the best, public alternative to meet Xavier. I was twenty minutes early for our date, but with him, I loathed the idea of being late. Wanted every second I could get.
The place was alive with people, and somewhere I could blend in with the crowd if my shadow stalker watched. The outdoor rink was filled with screaming kids and families enjoying a skate, while vendors sold mulled wine, hot cider, maple snacks and winter wear. Small fires surrounded by carved benches stood in the distance, while tufts of everyone’s frosty breaths filled the cool air. It was a beautiful day. Cold, but clear. Perfect, really.
“As opposed to how I usually look?” Flipping down the passenger-side visor, I checked myself in the mirror for the twentieth time since she’d picked me up. My eyes were done in a blended series of browns that brought out their bronze color. My lashes, long and black, cheeks, asoft coral. It was subtle, but noticeable. The beat of my heart picked up as the panic set in, and I angled toward her, pointing at my face. “Oh, God. Is this too much?”
